Baden Powell -Founder Scouting Movement
Aids To Scoutmastership Revisited Part I:
Scouting Leadership as describe by Baden Powell in his book Aids To Scoutmastership carries within it the basic principles and aims of Scouting and describes the qualities and values that foster teamwork and individual growth for both youth and adults. As BP puts it:
"The scoutmaster guides the boy in the spirit of an older brother.
THE SCOUTMASTER
AS A PRELIMINARY word of comfort to intending Scoutmasters, I should like to contradict the usual misconception that, to be a successful Scoutmaster, a man must be an Admirable Crichton - a know-all. Not a bit of it.
He has simply to be a boy-man, that is:-
(1) He must have the boy spirit in him; and must be able to place himself on a right plane with his boys as a first step.
(2) He must realize the needs, outlooks, and desires of the different ages of boy life.
(3) He must deal with the individual boy rather than with the masses.
(4) He then needs to promote a co-operative spirit among his individuals to gain the best results.
With regard to the first point, the Scoutmaster has to be neither schoolmaster, commanding officer, pastor, nor instructor. All that is needed is the capacity to enjoy the out of-doors, to enter into the boys’ ambitions, and to find other men who will give them instruction in the desired directions, whether it be signaling, drawing, nature study, or pioneering.
He has got to put himself on the level of the older brother, that is, to see things from the boy’s point of view, and to lead and guide and give enthusiasm in the right direction. Like the true older brother, he has to realize the traditions of the family and see that they are preserved, even if considerable firmness is required. That is all. The Movement is a jolly fraternity, all the jollier because in the game of Scouting you are doing a big thing for others, you are combating the breeding of selfishness."
In the first part BP describes two basic elements that are important to Scouting Leadership Style, which is Presence and Stance. These elements are the foundations to the programming principles and beliefs of a good leader.
Presence: “The Brotherly/Sisterly Support” can be described using Warmth, Empathy, Sincerity, Unconditional Positive Regard, Compassion, and Availability. If a leader can reflect these qualities, he provides a safe environment, which will promote growth and draw out the best elements of the team and individuals allowing for mistakes and encouraging them to achieve and be more supportive of each other.
Stance: “Being on the same plane” can be seen as Open, Non-judgmental, Genuine, Curious, Listening and Attentive.
If a leader can be open minded, and display curiosity he is better able to walk in another’s moccasins and understand what it is like to live in some one else skin, thus being able to be on the same plane as his fellow scouts and able to approach and be approached for assistance and guidance.
Written By: Strider Headworth ©March 28, 2002
Credits: Aids To Scout Mastership By Baden Powell
